Who We Work With

Posted by Glen E. McCrary

Representative networkRotary International appoints representatives each year to UN bodies and nongovernmental organizations worldwide.

These representatives increase awareness and recognition of Rotary's programs, policies, and activities within the global community. They meet regularly with officers and staff from international agencies to

Discuss parallel concerns and potential areas for cooperation

Inform organizations about Rotary’s programs

Gather information about other groups’ developments and programs

In addition, RI representatives promote Rotary by attending panel presentations and exhibits and by presenting keynote speeches at major events hosted by the United Nations and other international organizations. Contact External Relations staff for more information.

Rotary International appoints representatives to:

African Union In 1997, Rotary International became the first nongovernmental organization headquartered outside of Africa to establish official communications with the African Union. Together, they have addressed critical issues in Africa, including health care, education, family planning, and shelter.

Council of Europe Rotary International established official relations with the Council of Europe in 1995 to strengthen cooperation with entities in the region. Through the council, representatives proactively share information about Rotary’s work with influential members of the European community. RI representatives actively participate in the council’s committees for nongovernmental organizations.

Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific Rotary International appointed a representative to this UN agency in 2002 to focus on the diverse Asia-Pacific region. During Rotary’s 2004-05 centennial celebration, the commission honored Rotary by housing the centennial bell at its headquarters. As the UN’s development arm in the region, it aims to reduce poverty, manage globalization, and tackle emerging social issues.

Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia This a regional commission within the UN promotes economic and social development throughout western Asia. In 2004, Rotary International appointed a representative to the agency, which hosted a Rotary-UN Day event that was attended by hundreds of Rotarians and guests.

Economic Commission for Africa This commission promotes the economic and social development of its 53 member states. It also works toward regional cooperation and international development assistance for Africa. Its relationship with Rotary began in 2004.

Economic Commission for Europe This commission strives to promote sustainable economic growth among its 56 member countries. It analyzes economic and environmental issues and serves as a forum for communication among its members on topics such as trade, the environment, and transportation. The commission’s relationship with Rotary dates back to 2004.

Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean Rotary International appointed a representative to this commission in 2004. It works to promote economic and social development in Latin America and the Caribbean by coordinating and strengthening relationships among countries in the region and conducting outreach to other nations.

International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) As a specialized agency of the United Nations, IFAD is dedicated to eradicating rural poverty in developing countries. IFAD works with rural poor people, governments, donors, non-governmental organizations, and other partners to create country-specific solutions to poverty, such as increasing access to financial services, markets, technology, land, and other natural resources.

Organisation Interational de la Francophonie This organization represents French-speaking governments and communities worldwide, united to prevent conflict, promote cultural diversity, and ensure human rights. In 2006, Rotary appointed its first representative to this body.

Organization of American States In 1997, Rotary International extended its representative network to this regional organization. It brings together nations in the Western Hemisphere to strengthen cooperation on democratic values and debate major regional and global issues.

UNESCO Rotary's relationship with UNESCO dates back to a 1942 Rotary conference in London to promote international cultural and educational exchanges. This event was an impetus to establish UNESCO, whose mission Rotary has supported for several decades. Rotary recently launched the university-based Rotary Centers for International Studies in peace and conflict resolution, which directly reflect UNESCO's goals for global peace and understanding.

United Nations Environmental Programme In the late 1990s, Rotary International established official relations with this organization to help address environmental concerns and promote the wise use of natural resources for sustainable development. In particular, Rotary has addressed environmental challenges through its emphasis on water conservation and management.

United Nations Headquarters Rotary maintains an office at UN headquarters in New York City. It’s staffed by representatives who attend meetings and events of various UN agencies, as well as programs of other nongovernmental organizations in the international community.

United Nations Human Settlements Programme Rotary International's official relations with this agency date back to the late 1990s. It aims to provide adequate shelter for all by promoting socially and environmentally sustainable human settlements.

United Nations Office at Geneva RI representatives are involved with many Geneva-based UN agencies and programs, including the International Labor Organization, the UN High Commissioner on Refugees, and the World Health Organization.

United Nations Office at Vienna Since 1984, RI representatives in Vienna have worked with focused intergovernmental bodies on the issues of substance abuse, youth, peace, and aging.

World Bank Rotary appointed a representative to the World Bank in 1997 to help promote economic growth, reduce poverty, and protect the environment in developing countries. With the World Bank's innovative financial support, Rotary, UNICEF, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization have leveraged about US$165 million to help eradicate polio in priority countries.

World Food Programme Rotary has maintained official relations with this agency since 1997. As the food arm of the UN, it works to eradicate global hunger and poverty by providing emergency food aid and supporting economic and social development.